As head and neck surgeons, our physicians have unmatched experience in thyroid surgery and are among the most experienced in the Northern Virginia area. We utilize intraoperative nerve monitoring for all thyroid surgeries to ensure the best and safest care for our patients. Along with working closely with endocrinologists in the community, our surgeons adhere to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines. We participate in multi-discipline tumor board discussion for our patients.The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the lower neck, below the larynx (voice box) and wraps around the front half of the trachea (windpipe). It is shaped like a butterfly, just above the collarbones, having two halves (lobes) which are joined by a small tissue bar (isthmus). You can't always feel a normal thyroid gland.
Parathyroid glands are four small glands of the endocrine system which regulate the calcium in our bodies. Parathyroid glands are located in the neck behind the thyroid where they continuously monitor and regulate blood calcium levels through the parathyroid hormone, PTH. Unregulated growth of a parathyroid gland leads to elevated PTH, and elevated calcium levels on blood testing. Hypercalcemia causes many symptoms such as kidney stones, bone pain, chronic headaches, fatigue, osteoporosis, among others. Identifying and surgical removal of the abnormal parathyroid gland tumor is curative for the symptomatic patient.
